TRAVEL DIARY

A weblog regularly updated by Jodi Rose.

VIEWING ALL POSTS FOR: DECEMBER 2006

Sunday, December 31, 2006

11:40 AM
Posted by jodi rose

summer hibernation continues, laying low reading trashy novels and tackling multiple sewing projects simultaneously. Just can't do one thing at a time. something to work on there.

anyway, today is the day for making lists, letting go, and ringing the changes. goodbye to 2006 and all the joy and pain, hello to a new year of possibility and adventure.

keep dancing, dreaming, loving and laughing
....and stay in touch,

xx jodi

Monday, December 25, 2006

9:49 PM
Posted by jodi rose

merry mishmash and happy mayhem

enjoyed a long and wonderful orphans christmas lunch at margaret's with usual cast of old and new friends, the delightful felix brough to us courtesy of sole and ben (woohoo finally!) fabulous food, witty conversation and way too much booze. ah indulgence, it really is my forte. coming to realise there's no point trying to be puritan of body or spirit, when such a high level of decadence is just inherent. home made chocolates a big hit, will be trying more high-class truffles next year, and in bulk. 60 wasn't anywhere near enough for the ravening hordes. managed to stay very low-key about the whole thing, and really did have a gorgeous afternoon with lovely company, preceded by a fabulous evening at lizzie and mike's last night where miss devi-lee and alexis introduced their new person, formerly known as luka. It's a tricky thing, giving someone a name they'll have to use their whole life! Making sure it suits, and isn't in the top 5 newborn names that year. Lots of champagne, friends and family drifting through the days.
Came home to a bath with leonard cohen (well he was singing not in the bath) and about to flop on the couch in front of a really trashy movie. Glad that's all over for another year. Now just have to get through new year's eve without completely freaking out, and life can continue into whatever miscellaneous shape it likes.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

1:08 PM
Posted by jodi rose

that's my celebration, and I'm sticking to it. although I did see santa on a harley today, riding past redfern station. very cool. the last few days rain have been blown away by crazy hot winds, and the country is plagued by bushfires even more than usual for this time of year.

Listening to those annoyingly perky announcers on FBI - ok, I know it's the new yoof network and great to have 50% australian content on the radio, but do they all have to be so young and inane? surely there's a middle ground between having a station brand across all the shows, and having personality? Guess that's just another indication that even the indie world isn't quite alternative enough for me - hell. No wonder I can't get a job. Completely unemployable. Guess there's nothing for it but to keep making those out-there projects of my own happen.
Had a great experience yesterday, going for a job as membership secretary with an organisation I highly respect, who basically said, well this job isn't right for you, but would you like to direct a new project with us? Yeah, damn straight. Talk about having a clear sign that the world of administration no longer has much resonance for me.

So, although it continues to be financially precarious and all those networks and ideas take constant gardening, and despite people thinking I've 'got it made' or have some underlying structure to life; the tenuousness is tempered slightly by realising a new level of professional engagement. Probably a good thing I didn't get that front of house job at the new arts complex either - best to stay on the right side of the that particular fence, when it's so close to one's art practice.

Heard a great piece on the abc this morning, by a 'feckless freelancer' talking about how the relationship to 'holiday' season is very different when you don't have an actual job - no xmas parties either - and that quiet time isn't necessarily one to celebrate or relax, but even more work trying to stay afloat and get new projects happening.

Anyway, getting through each day as it comes just now. Walked to the lake and visited the ducks this morning - I find they relax me. And there really were men in trees - new favourite show - trimming some of the moreton bay figs. one of them (men not tree) even looked like jack, the love interest, with his curly auburn hair, beard and bemused detached expression.

so, it's the longest day of the year over this side of the world, and I'm looking forward to finishing the round of visits to deliver trifle - to all those people who specially requested it for our get-together last night then all bailed on me - so unreliable; and kicking back on the balcony with pink champagne for present swapping with lisa.

Sunday, December 17, 2006

10:36 PM
Posted by jodi rose

green bridge opened today. yay. singing its heart out up there in qld.
couldn't make it to the event, but thinking of those cables 4 & 8.
miked up live, forever. It's very exciting.

If I was capable of being enthusiastic right now. Have grounded myself, no flying until March for transit lounge in berlin. Attempting to deal with life instead of keeping demons at bay through constant movement.

Although that means they do jump out and bite. Mixed with pre-xmas frenzy all around, it's a strangely intense and yet somehow peaceful time. Had a drive down to port botany last night with lisa, looking for this chinese junk with films projected on the sails - but directions very vague, so we drove around botany bay for a while. disovered a beat, cruised around the cargo terminals, enjoyed watching the planes take off right next to us - and didn't want to be on any of them. What a relief. Tonight we found the boat - it was lingering behind the port hacking xmas boat parade, which was absolutely gorgeous. Down at gannamatta park in Cronulla, incidentally on the anniversary of the riots but despite heavy police presence and riot squad, there was just a buzzing scene of people out socialising and having fun, no aggro or trouble anywhere to be seen. So at least I'm getting out of the house and seeing new places. Without having to leave home.

It's just so exhausting trying to absorb everything, stay focused and creative and be present in the moment, not off dreaming or worrying about the future. Dipping my toe into the world of work again, in an actual job that isn't art. Quite something. realise how much I have become used to doing the things I do, and the potential transition back into that realm is both intriguing and kind of weird. But good to be developing strategy for core income stream from somewhere.

Spending the rest of the evening with Sandra Bullock, she's always very soothing. Even though it is 28 days and channel ten is black and white on my tv for some unknown reason.

Oh yes, and congratulations to my very fabulous cousin Kim. Silver Medal in the World Traditional Wushu Championships - absolutely amazing effort. No-one in the family can quite work out where she gets the athletic gene from, we certainly all missed out. My youngest nephew Zach is completely gorgeous, just lies around, flops all over the playground - none of that toddler racing around behaviour, he just likes to chill. No wonder we get on so well - wrapped his arm around my neck and just nestled into me (we've only met twice) - divine. Yusuf is growing up into an absolutely charming boy, incredibly full of energy and always with something to tell you. Lucky to have such great kids in my life. All those yearnings for home and a place in the world are slightly abated - home is where you are, a friend told me recently.

Friday, December 1, 2006

9:29 PM
Posted by jodi rose

yes welcome to simmering sydney, where it's 9.25pm and steamy.
the festival of lisa is ongoing - happy birthday - have been called back to the pub for stage two. amazing meal at bonsai japanese restaurant last night in bronte, incredile flavours and textures. black sesame cheesecake mmmm counteracted by the organic brown rice, pumpkin and adzuki bean. you gotta have some indulgences. in fact that's my homework for the week as part of overcoming anxiety - get up and walk first thing every morning, and indulge yourself every day... hmmm I think I can do that! don't seem to do much else somedays.

had a fabulous time at lawsons auction house this morning, giggled at the auctioneers banter - while all the dealers are surly and stony faced - and bought a few chairs and japanese silk hangings for $5 and $1. not bad at all. had to restrain myself from buying the german piano for $20. nesting away here in my temporary ephemeral home. but as tiki said, home is wherever you are. funny watching people bid for some of the ugliest lights and ornate furniture I've ever seen - most of the stuff I liked was very unpopular. good to know am still out-there.

anyway, the fireworks are cracking down at darling harbour, the girls are waiting at the royal and I will love you and leave you for now.